OMC Parish School prides itself on educating the whole student: academically, emotionally, and spirituality. Part of that is our Call to Service, and our school minister works with teachers to incorporate the Works of Mercy and other service activities into classroom lessons. Throughout the year there are additional opportunities for service outside of the school day. Below is a brief overview of how our Catholic Faith is lived out in our school community. Check out the weekly notes for specific spirituality updates each week.
Liturgies
Throughout the year the school gathers for mass about once a month as well as for prayer services during special seasons and days such as Thanksgiving, Advent, Lent, and Holy Week. Each mass is prepared and served by a class. We choose to have mass for specific feast and Saint days rather than on the same day and at the same time each month. You can find our full liturgy schedule at the following link.
Service Opportunities
Service is an integral part of putting our faith into action. Service opportunities are offered both in school and outside of school hours for the older students. Some grades have specific service that is completed throughout the year.
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Students in 6th-8th grade can volunteer with the SVdP society. The society has two service projects: Visitation days and clothing drives. On visitations days students deliver flowers and cards made by the 3rd grade to elderly parishioners and neighbors who are home bound. Visitation days take place in September, December, February, April, and May. There are also two clothing drives in the fall and spring. Students help to unload cars and organize the items in the donation truck.
Face to Face Meal Service
Students who are at least 12 years old can volunteer to make a meal at Face to Face in Germantown.
Box of Joy
Box of Joy school wide service project. During November each class brings in donations and assemblies 2-3 boxes of Joy for children in other countries. Each box is the size of a shoe box and contains hygiene kits, school supplies, toys, and clothes.
Grade Specific Service
3rd grade- Cards and letters for the SVdP Visitation days
4th grade- Bonding squares for children born prematurely and who must stay in the NICU.
5th grade- World Mission Rosaries are made and sent to other countries.
Peer Ministry
At the end of 7th grade, students are invited to apply to be a peer minister for the following year. The peer ministers are the spiritual leaders and role models for the school. They plan and lead prayer services, share reflections, write prayers, lead activities with younger grades, and come up with new ideas for the school. They work closely with the school minister and meet weekly for faith sharing and planning.